If you’re pregnant, just given birth, or a parenting pro, we have some good news—RWJBarnabas Health is offering in-person and virtual ways for moms and moms-to-be to connect and be their healthiest this August. Whether you’re looking for childbirth preparation, breastfeeding support, parenting advice for growing kids, or simply a group of new moms, you can connect with experts and fellow moms who will share valuable tips, ideas, and support. Have older kids who need to keep busy? There are classes and workshops for them, too, so go ahead and check out everything to help with your babe—read on for details on where and how to register. (featured photo credit: iStock/Ridofranz)
Featured events
Our Community Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week (in-person)
August 7 at 1 PM
We have something we are excited to celebrate! Join Monmouth Medical Center’s Breastfeeding Wellness Center as part of this international celebration to honor mothers and babies on their breastfeeding journey. Activities are free and will include hospital and local resources for growing families, physician support, giveaways, a photo booth, and light refreshments. Parents, babies, families, and support persons are all welcome to drop in to the LiveWell Center in Eatontown for this event.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center & Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Managing Your Child’s Behavior – Virtual Workshops for Parents – Children’s Specialized Hospital
August 5
Need Help Managing Your Child’s Behavior? This parent workshop, developed by child psychologists at Children’s Specialized Hospital, aims to help parents of children aged 2-10 years learn how to manage their behavior. Participants should select one cycle and attend all classes in that cycle.
Each Seven-Part Course will cover:
– Causes of misbehavior
– Setting limits and dealing with tantrums
– Managing sibling conflicts
– Developing and implementing behavioral systems
– Parent stress management, self-care, and support system
Cost: $99
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Specialized Hospital, RWJBarnabas Health
Programs for new moms
Virtual Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Support Group
August 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 12 PM
Do you have questions about pregnancy or breastfeeding? In a friendly virtual environment, our Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Lactation Consultants will provide guidance and answer questions about what to expect during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, as well as latch issues, breast/nipple pain, milk supply concerns, pumping, supplementation, returning to work, and weaning for breastfeeding mothers. We are here to support you. For more information and to be sent the link to participate in the group, please register online.
Cost: Free
Sponsoring Facility: Clara Maass Medical Center & Community Medical Center
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
August 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 10 AM
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center offers free Zoom Support Groups for expecting and new moms facilitated by Lauren Meisels, Ph.D. Mommies’ Moods Group focuses on mother care rather than child care. Discussions address anxiety, depression, irritability, and feeling scared and overwhelmed by the transition to motherhood.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Breastfeeding Classes – Jersey City Medical Center
August 7 at 6:30 PM
This two-hour program features a combination of lecture and movie presentations to enhance the learning experience.
Cost: $35 per couple
Jersey City Medical Center – 355 Grand Street – 4 East Conference Room, Jersey City, NJ
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
Breastfeeding Support Groups – Monmouth Medical Center
August 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, and 28 at 1 PM
This two-hour program features a combination of lecture and movie presentations to enhance the learning experience. Join us for a free, in-person Breastfeeding Support Group offered weekly and facilitated by a Certified Lactation Consultant at the LiveWell Center. Promoting breastfeeding through peer support. Call for first-time registration: 862-781-3873.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facilities: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center, and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Prenatal programs for moms-to-be
Maternity Tours at Newark Beth Israel
Seven days a week at 9:30 AM, 4 PM, and 8 PM
If you or your family is expecting a baby, we are ready to help you manage your prenatal health throughout your pregnancy and plan for the big day. Let us show you our rooms and amenities, expert labor and delivery support, and high-tech neonatal intensive care units (NICU), so you’ll feel confident choosing us for your maternity care.
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace, Newark, NJ 07112
RSVP required. Call 973-926-7108 or fill out our Request a Maternity Tour form.
Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One – Newark Best Israel Medical Center
August 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 at 12 PM
Gentle yoga for expecting moms.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Maternity Tour – Jersey City Medical Center
August 3 at 12 PM, August 17 at 1 PM, August 13 and 14 at 4 PM, and August 5, 13, 14, and 28 at 5 PM
Is a baby on the way, or are you planning your birthing journey? Take a tour of our Labor & Delivery and Lord Abbett Maternity Wing and get your questions answered by our Mother-Baby team.
Cost: Free
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, Lord Abbett Maternity Wing, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Childbirth Education Classes- Jersey City Medical Center
August 6 at 6:30 PM
This in-person program comprises four classes, featuring lectures and movie presentations to enhance the learning experience.
Cost: $125 (per couple)
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, 4 East Conference Room, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Preparation for Breastfeeding
August 8 at 2 PM
Join our Certified Lactation Consultant for a free discussion on breastfeeding preparation at the LiveWell Center or virtually. The talk will enable mothers-to-be and their support persons to learn more about the basics of breastfeeding. We will explore how to achieve a good latch, establish your milk supply, ensure your baby gets enough milk, and pump and store breast milk.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Cooperman Barnabas
Multi-Part Course – August 13, 20, and 27 from 7 PM-9 PM
The Department of Women’s Health and Parent Education at Cooperman Barnabas offers this virtual class for parents to help prepare them for pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and provide instruction in baby care. The class covers breathing patterns, relaxation techniques, cesarean sections, epidurals, a review of the Maternity Center, and newborn care.
Cost: $95
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
To be placed into a class and make payment, please call (973) 322-5360 or submit the completed registration form by fax to (973) 322-9784 or email to Teresa.Lastella@rwjbh.org
Prenatal Education Class – Jersey City Medical Center
August 21 at 3 PM
This session is for existing prenatal patients at Women’s Health at Jersey City Medical Center. Topics include breastfeeding, nonpharmacological pain relief methods for labor, rooming in on a 24-hour basis, and the importance of early skin-to-skin contact.
Cost: Free
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, 3 East Sky Lobby, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Infant Care Class – Jersey City Medical Center
August 28 at 6:30 PM
The program will include two hours of combination lectures and movie presentations on physical appearance, diapering, bathing, cord care, and special procedures. You must complete the registration and payment at least two weeks before the class date. They will send the link before class starts.
Cost: $35 per couple
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
Eufemia Rios, RN, Childbirth Educator, (201) 915-2365 or Email: Eufemia.rios@rwjbh.org
Events for Kids, Teens, and Parents
KidsFit in Motion | Cardio Kids Jam (7-13 years old) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
August 2, 9, 23, and 30 at 9 AM
KidsFit in Motion, led by Ignite One, will offer Youth Fitness Programming. Get ready for non-stop fun with awesome music, fitness games, cool dance moves, and chances to win prizes! You’ll get stronger, faster, and have a blast with your friends. Don’t miss out! Classes are FREE and graciously funded by the Devils Youth Foundation. A parent or guardian must stay for the duration of the class.
Cost: Free
Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center – 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
KidsFit in Motion | Happy Feet Fitness (3-7 years old) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
August 2, 9, 23, and 30 at 9 AM
KidsFit in Motion, led by Ignite One, will offer Youth Fitness Programming. Get ready for non-stop fun with fantastic music, fitness games, cool dance moves, and chances to win prizes! You’ll get stronger, faster, and have a blast with your friends. Don’t miss out! Classes are FREE and graciously funded by the Devils Youth Foundation. A parent or guardian must stay for the duration of the class.
Cost: Free
Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center – 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
My First Cooking Class in Hannah’s Kitchen
August 16 at 9:30 AM
Join us in person for this hands-on cooking class designed for children aged 5-7, accompanied by a parent, guardian, or loved one. Even the pickiest of eaters will learn to love their veggies in this fun class. This interactive cooking class introduces basic kitchen skills and new foods to young children. Hannah’s Kitchen welcomes all children with diverse learning abilities in our inclusive, adaptive kitchen. Classes are free and graciously funded by the Hannah Peretsman Breene Foundation.
Cost: Free
Hannah’s Kitchen at the Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 208 Lyons Ave. Newark, NJ 07112 RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
KidsFit in Motion | StrongHer Pilates (12-18 years old) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
August 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 4:30 PM
KidsFit in Motion, led by Ignite One, will offer Youth Fitness Programming. Get ready for non-stop fun with excellent music, fitness games, cool dance moves, and chances to win prizes! You’ll get stronger, faster, and have a blast with your friends. Don’t miss out! Classes are FREE and graciously funded by the Devils Youth Foundation. A parent or guardian must stay for the duration of the class.
Cost: Free
Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center – 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
August 5 at 4:30 PM
Join in-person or virtually for this hands-on cooking for ages 8-12; parents/guardians must register. Your child will learn how to cook with nutritious ingredients, read recipes, follow kitchen safety tips, master measuring techniques, develop knife skills, and more. For class links and more information, contact Emily Ho, RDN. emily.ho@rwjbh.org. 973-926-7371
Cost: Free
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Time for Tots
August 6 and 20 at 10 AM
This program is open to caregivers of children aged 1 to 3. It aims to address the various topics related to developmental milestones, nutrition and allergies, behavior management, and more to help answer any burning questions new parents may have. Caretakers are encouraged to bring their toddlers along to each session.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
KidsFit in Motion | Athletic Conditioning (12-18 years old) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Mondays, starting July 7 and running through September 29, at 5:30 PM.
KidsFit in Motion, led by Ignite One, will offer Youth Fitness Programming. Get ready for non-stop fun with awesome music, fitness games, cool dance moves, and chances to win prizes! You’ll get stronger, faster, and have a blast with your friends. Don’t miss out! Classes are FREE and graciously funded by the Devils Youth Foundation. A parent or guardian must stay for the duration of the class.
Cost: Free
Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health
Safe Sitter (in-person)
August 11 at 10 AM and August 19 at 3 PM
Safe Sitter® is designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. The class has fun games, guided discussions, and role-playing exercises. Students will learn essential skills in safety, childcare, life, and business. Lunch will be provided to attendees.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Toddler Snack Time
August 11 from 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Bring your little ones, ages 2 to 4, for a hands-on cooking class with our registered dietitian, featuring a fun and healthy snack.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen
August 16 at 11 AM
Join us in person for this Mommy & Me-style healthy cooking class for children aged 2-4, accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or loved one. This exciting cooking class utilizes simple recipes to encourage toddlers to try new foods by exploring texture and flavor. Hannah’s Kitchen welcomes all children with diverse learning abilities in our inclusive, adaptive kitchen. Classes are free and graciously funded by the Hannah Peretsman Breene Foundation.
Cost: Free
Hannah’s Kitchen at the Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center, 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health
Events for Parents and Grandparents
Parent Zen
August 11 at 6 PM
The Parent Zen program aims to provide much-needed support and community connection for parents. Drawing from personal experiences, Parent Zen offers guidance, relaxation, and connection to help parents navigate the challenges of parenthood.
Cost: Free
RWJ Hamilton Fitness & Wellness; 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton NJ 08619
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton
Emotional Intelligence in the Home – RWJUH Hamilton
August 20 at 6 PM
Experiencing emotions, whether positive or negative, is not a problem—but what we do with those emotions is what counts. This seminar will lead parents in the exploration of how to increase their emotional intelligence at home for better understanding, communication, and relationships.
Cost: Free
RWJ Hamilton Fitness & Wellness; 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton NJ 08619
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton
Virtual Grandparenting Seminar
August 19 at 4 PM
A virtual seminar that allows grandparents-to-be to discuss their concerns and receive information on the importance of grandparenting, advancements in childbirth, trends and changes in infant care, and family communication.
Virtual
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